y^^i. on the fox. 155 



The fox sleeps sound ; and, like the dog, lies in b 

 round form. When he is only reposing hinaself, he 

 stretches out his hind legs, and lies upon his bel- 

 ly. In this position he spies the birds as they alight 

 on the hedges or places near him, and is ready to 

 spring upon such as are within his reach. He rare- 

 ly lies exposed ; but chooses the cover of some brake, 

 yv'here he is pretty secure from being surprised. 

 Crows, magpies, and other birds, which consider the- 

 :fox as a common ene;Tiy, will often give notice of his 

 retreat, by the most clamourous notes ; and frequent- 

 ly follow him a considerable way, from tree to tree, , 

 repeating their outcries. 



Foxes produce but once a year, from three to six 

 joung ones at a time. When the female is preg- 

 nant, fhe retires, and seldom goes out of her hole. 

 She comes in season in winter ; and young foxes are 

 found in the month of "April. If fhe perceive that 

 her habitation is discovered, flie carries them off, one 

 by one, to a more secure retreat. The young are 

 brought forth blind, like puppies. They grow eigh- 

 teen months, or two years, and live thirteen years. 



There is so little difference between the dog and 

 fox, that it is difficult to characterise them distinct- 

 ly from each other. Yet the dog discovers a great ' 

 antipathy to the fox, and pursues him with surpri- 

 sing keennefs. Experiments have proved, however, . 

 that the fox and dog maybe brought to breed to- 

 gether J though not without difficulty. Whether the 

 progeny can again produce, or if they be infertile, . 

 like mules, seems not to have been yet fully ascer- 

 tained. 



